Israel tests defense system developed with US that intercepts-long range missiles

JERUSALEM – Israel says it has carried out another successful test of its advanced missile defense system designed to intercept long-range missiles.

The Defense Ministry said in a statement that Friday's test is a "major milestone" in the development of the Arrow 3.

Ministry official Yair Ramati said the system was "fully tested," but did not mention specifics. It is designed to strike targets outside the atmosphere, intercepting missiles closer to their launch sites.

It is part of a multilayered system Israel is developing to protect itself from a range of missile threats, from short-range rockets in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon to longer-range threats from Iran.

It is being developed by Israel Aerospace Industries together with U.S. aviation giant Boeing Co.